How to freeze bacon and other food

How to freeze bacon and other food.

One of the best ways to avoid food waste (and wasting money) is to properly freeze food before it goes bad. Some of my methods (mostly learned from my Grandmother) also result in you being able to convert cans, packages etc. of food into quantities you can actually use. Don’t kid yourself. The average family doesn’t eat the whole pound of bacon and throws the rest away. I have no doubt that food companies plan it this way! Obviously I can’t cover everything here so if you have an abundance of something Google “How to freeze whatever.” I would take advice from the Kitchn website. Enjoy your savings!

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How to freeze bacon

When I buy a package of bacon I open the package and cut the whole block in half at with kitchen scissors. Then I roll up each half piece, place it in a parchment lined baking pan (I always use an 8″x8″) and freeze all the rolls. With an 8″x 8″ pan you’ll have to do a couple batches. When they’re firm (a couple hours) I place them in a zip top back. Then I can use 1/2 a slice at a time or more if I’m making something like a BLT. When I want to use some I remove it from the bag and thaw it in the fridge on a small saucer.

Cut the whole package in half from top to bottom in the middle.

How to freeze ginger

Use a spoon scrape the skin off the ginger. Then grate with a microplane onto a plate. Line a baking pan (I always use and 8″x8″) with parchment paper. Using a measuring spoon measure out 1 teaspoon amounts and place on parchment paper. Freeze. When firm place in zip top bag. You can throw frozen ginger into hot soup. Or let it thaw on a plate for a few minutes. I also will cut a frozen teaspoon in half if the recipe calls for less and throw the other half back in the bag.. And of course 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon.

How to freeze bacon and other food – How to freeze chipotle peppers, chilis in adobo, tomato paste

Like the ginger line a baking pan (I always use an 8″x8″) with parchment paper. Using a measuring spoon measure out 1 teaspoon amounts and place on parchment paper. If you have a can of peppers adobo grind them up into a paste. Freeze. When firm place in zip top bag. You can throw frozen peppers, paste, etc. into hot soup, chili etc. Or let it thaw on a plate for a few minutes. I also will cut a frozen teaspoon in half if the recipe calls for less and throw the other half back in the bag. And of course 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon.

How to freeze kale

When I get fresh kale I wash it and dry it thoroughly in a clean kitchen towel. Then pull the leaves off the stems and make a pile. Then I rip the leaves into maybe 3 inch pieces and freeze in approximately 1 cup amounts in zip top bags. One cup is the perfect amount to add to a small pan of soup or into a smoothie. Thawed kale won’t work in a salad.

How to freeze jalapenos

I freeze jalapenos in 1 inch thick slices with the ribs and seeds that way I can dice them however finely I want later. I can also remove the ribs and seeds if I don’t want any heat when I use them later.